Cork is made from the bark of the Portuguese cork oak tree, the 'Quercus suber'. The cork oak which grows only in the semi-arid climate of the Mediterranean is carefully protected by governments of the region.

The life span of the cork oak tree is approximately 150-200 years. Only the bark of the tree is harvested for use every 9 years.

The cork remains purely natural. As a result, a cork floor has all the insulating and resilient properties of natural cork.

The bark strips take a year to 'season'. Once seasoned they are processed, dried and selected according to quality. The thickest pieces are used to produce wine corks. The remainder is processed into colourful veneers or ground in to granules. These granules are pressed in to blocks and heated. The heating process releases natural resins that solidify and cause the granulated cork to bind together. No harmful materials are used.

So cork floors don’t use up forests, or harm the environment. They aren’t made from toxic chemicals, and don’t emit harmful fumes.

Cork is nature's finest flooring material.

FAQs

What is Cork?

Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, the “Quercus suber”.

Where Does Cork Come From?

Cork comes from the cork oak tree originating in the Mediterranean Sea area. The most notable is Portugal, which is involved in 52% of the world production of cork.

Why is Cork Considered a Natural Product?

Cork is harvested from the cork oak tree. Cork retains its natural properties regardless of processing

How are Cork Tiles Processed?

After the bark is stripped from the cork oak tree, they are stacked into piles and left to “season” in the field for one year. The seasoned bark is then tied together and boiled. This flattens the bark so that it can be easier processed. After it has been cooled, the cork is sorted according to quality for varying uses.

How does the Manufacturing of Floor Cork Differ From That of Wall Cork?

Both wall and floor cork is made of cork bark. Ground and pressed cork is almost always used as backing. Wall cork is put together with less pressure than floor cork. Floor cork is pressed with 300 to 500 kilogram per m3 while most wall cork tiles is pressed with 50 to 150 kilogram per m3 or not pressed at all.

How Much Pressure needs to be applied to floor cork?

Opinions differ about the amount of pressure to be applied for floor cork. Before tiles acquire a particular resilience, it needs to be put under a certain amount of pressure. Our experience is that at least 450 kilo needs to be applied to produce a proper floor tile, one that will be solid while still remaining flexible enough for true comfort.

Why is Cork Considered a Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Product?

Cork is produced from the bark of mature (minimum 25 years old) cork oak trees. The process of debarking the tree does not harm the tree which will continue to grow and produce another crop of cork in nine to ten years. The industry is highly regulated to ensure each tree survives. In addition, the manufacturing process for cork flooring uses significantly less carbon than many other popular flooring options. This makes cork a great green flooring option.

Is Cork Heat and Cold Resistant?

Cork is temperature resistant from -180 degrees C to +110 degrees C.

Is Cork Flammable?

Cork is naturally fire resistant. Suberin, a waxy substance found in cork, is resistant to fire. Cork trees have been known to survive through wildfires with minimal damage.

Is Cork Waterproof?

Cork is naturally waterproof (think of the cork used in wine bottles).

What Areas are Best Suited for Cork Flooring?

Cork is naturally suitable for all areas of the house especially kitchens, bathrooms and entry areas where moisture could pose a problem for other floor coverings.

Does Cork Insulate?

Cork has a warm feeling to it. Cork absorbs and retains the heat of its surroundings for a period of time. It is not a conductor of heat, rather it retains the heat that is already present in a particular area.

Is Cork Soundproof?

Cork absorbs sound and limits echoing effects. It does not eliminate but helps to muffle sound and improve the acoustics.

Why is Cork Considered to be a Hygienic Floor?

Cork is anti-static. It does not attract dust and does not retain it. Cork floors can be cleaned simply with a dry cloth or a mop and clear water. Cork is the ideal flooring for at home or the workplace. Cork’s anti-static properties are ideal for computer rooms.

How Can a Cork Floor be Durable and Pliable at the Same Time?

Cork flooring is produced under high pressure and impact resistant. Thanks to its resilient cells it remains pliable. Its durability is obtained by finishing the floor with a cork floor finish that is specifically manufactured for this purpose.

Is Cork Massed Produced with Repeating Designs?

Cork is made of a natural product so no two tiles are identical. Every cork tile design is unique. Shade variances are a natural occurrence that give cork its uniqueness.

How Easy is it to Install Cork?

Most people have few if any problems in installing cork. The resilient material is pleasant to work with and can be installed with minimal effort. Because of its thickness, cork can be installed on most floors without any additional work (such as shortening of doors, increasing the depth of the basic floor surface). It can be cut simply with a utility knife and glued to most floor surfaces with some minor preparations. Thanks to its natural color and varied structure, cork fits in most interiors without drastic decorating changes. And, in addition, do not overlook the easy maintenance.